devotees-across-india-throng-temples-to-mark-mahashivaratri

Devotees across India throng temples to mark 'Mahashivaratri'

New Delhi/ Haridwar/ Allahabad, Feb 17 (ANI): Thousands of devout Hindus thronged temples and congregated at the banks of holy rivers across India to celebrate festival of 'Mahashivaratri', better known as Lord Shiva's wedding anniversary, with religious fervour on Tuesday. The Hindu festival of Mahashivaratri is celebrated every year, as devotees offer golden apple, fruits, milk and observe fast in reverence of Lord Shiva. The magnificently decorated 'Gauri Shankar temple' in New Delhi witnessed crowd of devotees, as they flocked in large numbers to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The temples in Uttar Pradesh immersed into devotional spirit with devotees offering prayer and lighting 'diyas' or earthen lamps to mark the festivity of Mahashivaratri. The pilgrims and devotees chant holy words--"Bol Bum" and "Har Har Mahadev"-- in praise of Lord Shiva, as they took holy dip at the river bank. Devotees also thronged temples in Allahabad city of Uttar Pradesh with assortment of religious offerings like 'belpatra' (aegle marmelos leaf) flowers, honey and milk on the 'Shiva Lingam' (a representation of Hindu deity Shiva) while others made sculpture of lingam with sand at the river bank. Feb 17, 2015
it-happens-cattle-fair-in-tamil-nadu-draws-large-number-of-enthusiastic-farmers

It happens : Cattle fair in Tamil Nadu draws large number of enthusiastic farmers

Coimbatore, Feb 13 (ANI): A cattle fair held to spread awareness among people about the preservation of livestock drew enthusiastic response from villagers in Tamil Nadu. The fair, held at Samathur on the outskirts of Pollachi town in Coimbatore district, also drew animal lovers from abroad. Villagers dressed in traditional attire brought hundreds of cows and bulls of different breeds at the fair ground. A member of Vanavarayar Foundation, which organised the event, Shankar Vanavarayar said the idea was to create awareness about the importance of livestock in agriculture. A cattle specialist from New Zealand, Doctor John Henry Niezen said the fair offered opportunities to farmers to share their ideas and thoughts with each other about the health of animals. He said cattle shows are very common in western countries. Local bulls of Kangeyam region stole the limelight. The bulls are known all over the world for their superior strength and easy adaptability in any condition. The fair is the first of its kind being held in the region. Organisers were overwhelmed with the response. About 700 cattle of nine native breeds were on display. The animals were later judged on fitness. Prize money was also announced for the cattle in different categories. Feb 13, 2015
bihar-crisis-bjp-refutes-nitish-kumars-allegations-of-throttling-democracy

Bihar Crisis: BJP refutes Nitish Kumar's allegations of 'throttling democracy'

New Delhi, Feb 12 (ANI): BJP on Thursday refuted Bihar's fomer Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's allegations of 'throttling democracy'. IT and Communication Minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad while speaking at a press conference said that Kumar has imposed baseless and untrue allegations on BJP and that the party condemns his statement. He added that BJP did not expect a person of Nitish Kumar's stature to stoop to this level. Feb 12, 2015